Confirms approach from Thai Military Bank

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP 2003-04-09 ASX-SIGNAL-G
HOMEX - Melbourne
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
ANZ today confirmed it has been approached by Thai Military Bank
(TMB) in relation to TMB's recently announced capital raising
program.
Discussions are at an early stage and involve a possible 10-20%
shareholding in TMB. No agreement has been reached at this stage.
While ANZ's core strategy remains domestic, ANZ has previously
announced an objective of creating a number of strategic options in
Asia as a natural extension of its involvement in the region. These
are intended to involve a diversified portfolio of consumer-focused
business partnerships with local market players where ANZ can
leverage its capabilities.
ANZ has a history of involvement in East Asia. This includes its
investment in PT Panin Bank; the Memorandum of Understanding in
relation to credit cards with Metrobank in the Philippines; and the
recently announced Cooperation Agreement with the Shanghai Rural
Credit Cooperative Union.
The creation of strategic options in Asia is expected to involve
modest individual investments that are well structured for risk. Over
time, ANZ expects the portfolio would be in the range of 5-10% of
capital.
Other than the initiatives previously announced, ANZ has not made any
commitment to any other investment in Asia. In the event ANZ reaches
any formal agreements an announcement will be made at the appropriate
time.
For media enquiries, contact:
Paul Edwards
HEAD OF MEDIA RELATIONS
Tel: 03 9273 6955 or 0409 655 550
Email: edwardp12@anz.com
For analyst enquiries, contact:
Philip Gentry
HEAD OF INVESTOR RELATIONS
Tel: 03 9273 4185 or 0411 125 474
Email: gentryp@anz.com
Stephen Higgins
SENIOR MANAGER INVESTOR RELATIONS
Tel: 03 9273 4282 or 0417 379170
Email: higgins@anz.com